Why we still love the BBC’s fertility podcast Sex, Drugs & Lullabies

What happens when trying to conceive isn’t easy?

Trying to conceive (TTC) can be an emotional rollercoaster – one that impacts your mental health, relationships, and daily life. Yet, it’s a topic we don’t always discuss openly.

That’s why two BBC journalists, Natalie and Amanda, created the powerful podcast Sex, Drugs & Lullabies – to spark conversations about fertility, break the stigma, and share real stories of hope and heartbreak.

Hannah & Lewis Vaughan-Jones: A story of perseverance

One of the most moving episodes features broadcasters Hannah and Lewis Vaughan-Jones, who endured 15 rounds of IVF (10 of them fresh cycles) and spent £80,000 to conceive their son. It all came down to their final frozen embryo—the last throw of the dice. In a raw and honest conversation, they share why they kept going despite the heartbreak, and how Hannah coped when she learned that all her friends were pregnant at the same time:

“I felt like I was grieving my own loss…and my knees just buckled. I collapsed on the floor, sobbing.”

Why these conversations matter

At The Ribbon Box, thanks to many and varied personal experiences and learnings, we’re passionate about sharing fertility experiences and resources to support those on this unpredictable journey. There’s power in hearing others’ stories—you realise you’re not alone, and that support is out there.

Listen & share your story

You can listen to Sex, Drugs & Lullabies on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to share your own fertility journey, reach out to Natalie and Amanda at fertility@bbc.co.uk or connect with them on Twitter.

Related reads:

• Uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts – the important difference (& should you stop having sex?)
• Couple goals – need a fertility supplement for you and for him? These are the packs to know, plus boosters for same-sex partners
• Pain during sex? Here’s why, and what you can do about it